(Part 1 of a 3-Part HVAC Warranty Series)
When a new heating and cooling system is installed, most homeowners assume they’re protected under a 10-year warranty. But here’s the catch: that full 10-year coverage doesn’t automatically kick in — and in many cases, it never does.
This is Part 1 of our 3-part series on what homeowners often aren’t told about HVAC warranties. Today, we’re tackling one of the most common (and costly) misconceptions: that your new system is automatically registered and covered for a full decade.
The 5-Year vs. 10-Year Myth
Most HVAC manufacturers ship equipment with a default 5-year limited parts warranty. To unlock the full 10-year coverage that’s often advertised, the system must be registered within a strict window — usually 60 to 90 days after installation.
Miss that window? You may still have the basic 5 years, but that extra protection is gone — and it usually can’t be added later.
Who’s Responsible for Registering It?
Here’s where things get murky. Some contractors will say, “Don’t worry, we’ll handle the registration for you.”
Maybe they will. Maybe they forget. Maybe they accidentally mistype your name or address. The truth is, many homeowners don’t find out the registration was never completed until years later—when something breaks and they’re left footing the bill.
That’s why at Northwest HVAC, we register every system we install on behalf of our customers—and we provide a printed copy of the completed warranty registration as part of our final installation documents. It’s one more way we make sure our customers are fully protected.
How to Check Your Warranty Status
If your system was recently installed—or even a few years back—take a few minutes to confirm your warranty is in place. You can:
- Ask your installer for a warranty certificate
- Look for a confirmation email from the manufacturer
- Or run a quick serial number lookup on the brand’s website
Didn’t get any of those? You may still be able to register it yourself—if you’re within the manufacturer’s registration window. All you need are your model and serial numbers, and most brands allow you to complete the process online in just a few minutes.
What to Do Right Now
✅ Locate your system’s model and serial numbers
✅ Go to the manufacturer’s website and check registration status
✅ If it’s not registered, and you’re within the timeframe — register it immediately
✅ Save a digital and printed copy of the confirmation with your home documents
Bottom Line
Your HVAC warranty is only as good as its paperwork. Don’t assume it’s active—verify it.
And if you’re working with us at Northwest HVAC, know that we’ve already taken care of it for you. We treat warranty registration as a standard part of doing the job right.
Coming Up in Part 2:
Buying a home? Learn how to make sure the HVAC warranty transfers to you — and what to ask before signing the deal.